Bortezomib and bilateral herpes zoster

Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2012;21(1):21-2.

Abstract

Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that has proven to be a very effective treatment for multiple myeloma. There is considerable debate about the potential for reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in patients with multiple myeloma during treatment with bortezomib. This report describes the case of a 70-year-old patient with multiple myeloma that developed bilateral herpes zoster shortly after being treated with bortezomib. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of using an antiviral prophylaxis with acyclovir in these patients treated with bortezomib.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Boronic Acids / adverse effects*
  • Boronic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Bortezomib
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Herpes Zoster / chemically induced*
  • Herpes Zoster / prevention & control
  • Herpes Zoster / virology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / virology
  • Pyrazines / adverse effects*
  • Pyrazines / therapeutic use
  • Virus Activation / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Boronic Acids
  • Pyrazines
  • Bortezomib